Contact Information

University of North AlabamaUNA Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632P: (256)765-5188derbyday@una.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Derby Day?

A. Derby Day is an annual fundraising event hosted by President and Mrs. Kitts on the lawn of Coby Hall at the University of North Alabama. Derby Day is a Kentucky Derby theme event and watch party, reminiscent of a Kentucky Derby gala, without the travel! The money raised from the event will be used to benefit the UNA Foundation and helps provide the finanical flexibility UNA needs to pursue endeavors that might not be available otherwise. It further allows UNA to provide better educational opportunities for our students and gives the financial leverage we need to be a first-choice instituion for students in our region, country and world.

Q. When and where is Derby Day?

A.Derby Day 2015 will take place on the lawn of Coby Hall on the University of North Alabama campus. The event will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Q. Who can attend Derby Day?

A. Derby Day is a ticketed event that is open to invited guests! Please contact derbyday@una.edufor more information.

Q. How much do Derby Day tickets cost?

A. Individual tickets to UNA Derby Day are $100 per person and can be purchased beginning April 1, 2015 here: Derby Day Tickets

Tables can be purchased for $1,500, and will provide the purchaser with a total of 8 seats for themselves and guests. To arrange for table purchases, contact derbyday@una.edu

Q. Will food and refreshments be provided?

A. Yes, Derby Day 2015 is a catered event with multiple beverage stations that will feature wine, beer and the signature drink of the Derby, Mint Juleps all included with your reservation.

Q. Will there be any entertainment?

A. Yes, Derby Day 2015 will have numerous activities and entertainment for patrons to enjoy. Event attendees will have the chance to watch derby races throughout the day on large screen TV’s that are designated for race viewing. We’ll have a hat contest, games, a photo tent complete with a red carpet, live music and much more. In addition, patrons can purchase “Derby Dollars” and use them to pay for photos, commemorative glasses, derby T-shirts and to choose their horse in the main event, all with the opportunity to win a wide array of prizes donated by many of our generous sponsors.

Q. What are “Derby Dollars?”

A. “Derby Dollars” is money that can only be purchased at UNA Derby Day 2015. Derby Dollars may be used to pick winners for certain contests and races, purchase photos, and to buy commemorative UNA Derby Day 2015 glasses and T-shirts. Each $10 in Derby Dollars is the equivalent of $10 U.S. dollars, and patrons will have the option to purchase “Derby Dollars” on the day of the event at the “Derby Dollars” tent.

Q. Can we bet on the games or the actual Kentucky Derby race at the event?

A. No, betting is not permitted on the University of North Alabama campus. Patrons will have the opportunity to choose a hat contest winner or horse with various amounts of “Derby Dollars,” but patrons will not be permitted to wager with their own money or “Derby Dollars.”

Q. Can I bring real money and use it at the event?

A. Yes, you may bring real money to the event. However, real money may only be used at the Derby Dollar Tent to be exchanged for Derby Dollars. Only Derby Dollars are marked with a specific number so that when a winner is drawn, we will know who they are! We encourage guests to buy “Derby Dollars” at the designated “Derby Dollar” tent to participate in events for an opportunity to win a prize.

Q. What is the “Derby Dollars” tent?

A. The “Derby Dollars” tent is the area where you exchange real currency for “Derby Dollars” to be used for various Derby Day activities. We will accept cash, check, debit or credit cards and “Derby Dollars” will be sold in $10 denominations. “Derby Dollars” are non-refundable; proceeds from the sale will count as a donation to the UNA Foundation.

Q. What is the Photo tent?

A. Pose for a picture taken by a professional photographer on the red carpet with a dramatic photo backdrop. Individual and group pictures will be offered. The price is $10 “Derby Dollars” per photo and guests will be given their developed photo before they leave.

Q. What is the Commemorative UNA Derby Glass?

A. The Commemorative UNA Derby Day 2015 Glass is a keepsake that can only be purchased at UNA Derby Day. This glass will feature the UNA Derby Day logo, our table sponsors and the date of this annual event. The glasses will be available for purchase for $10 “Derby Dollars” each.

Q. What should I wear to the event?

A. Guests are encouraged to wear Kentucky-Derby- style clothing. For men this could include anything from a bow-tie to khakis to a seersucker suit. Women should dress comfortably and are encouraged to wear a derby style hat.

Q. What is “The Track?”

A. “The Track” is simply the location of the ballot boxes for each horse competing in the Derby. Patrons will have the option to vote for the horse they think will win the Derby using their “Derby Dollars. Each horse ballot box has a prize associated with it. So the more Derby Dollars you put in a horses’ ballot box, the greater the chance your name will be drawn for a prize if your horse wins!

Q. Will there be designated parking?

A. There is no specifically designated parking area.Parking will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is available at Coby Hall via Pine Street, at the Irvine and Pine lot or the Irvine and Seminary lot. While UNA classes will not be in session, there will be other events taking place on campus the day of the event. Also, the southbound lane of Court Street will be closed from Hermitage Drive to Irvine on the day of the event.